How to Reduce Glare at Your Workstation
Simple lighting adjustments can help you minimize glare and
reduce eyestrain and headaches. Glare can come from a light
source, such as a lighting fixture or the sun, or from bright
surface, such as a mirror, light-colored work surfaces, or
even white clothing,
To control glare try one or more of the following:
- Lower the total (ambient) light levels whenever possible.
This means turning off some overhead lights or removing
a light bulb.
- Avoid placing your monitor directly under cabinet task
lights.
- Position your monitor at a right angle to the window.
Avoid lighting coming over your shoulder directly above
or behind you. Have ceiling lights off to the side, if
possible.
- Close your shades, curtains, or blinds as outside light
levels change during the day.
- Position task lights directly on your documents.
- Clean your screen to maximize clarity.
- Use a hood if necessary to shelter the screen from undesirable
lighting. For low budget idea, try taping a piece of
cardboard on the top of the monitor.
- In some situations, only a glare screen will work. Polarized
glass is best and most costly, polarized film is next best.
Revised: 9/10/2008 CW